World Demonstrations of the two month anniversary of the Nangpa Pass shootings

New York – Tibetans and their supporters will protest at Chinese embassies and consulates around the world on November 30th, 2006 to mark the two month anniversary of the deadly attack by China’s border patrol on Tibetan refugees, which left a 17 year old nun dead. The demonstrators are demanding Chinese authorities immediately investigate the shootings and release the Tibetan refugees still detained in the incident, including some as young as 7 years old. Despite foreign diplomatic pressure, China has neither allowed an independent inquiry into the attack nor confirmed the whereabouts of the detainees. Video footage of the shootings, captured by foreign mountaineers, shows Chinese border soldiers opening fire on the group of 70 Tibetans attempting to cross into Nepal from Chinese occupied Tibet.

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) will be protesting at the Chinese Consulate at (W 42nd Street & 12th Ave) from 2 – 4pm on Thursday, November 30th 2006. In addition to the protests, Students for a Free Tibet has launched a website www.ChinaWouldYouShootMe.org where celebrities Michele Rodriguez from ABC's “LOST” and Andre 3000 of Outkast, have been photographed holding a sign that says: “CHINA: Would You Shoot Me Too?” SFT will be doing a guerilla photoshoot in Times Square at 5:00pm, for those who would like to participate in this Global Day of Action.

“This incident highlights the Chinese government's continuing violation of basic human rights in Tibet and its tight grip on the activities of the Tibetan people,” said Tenzin Dorjee, Deputy Director of Students for a Free Tibet. “Only the international community can hold China accountable for these atrocities by speaking out and taking action.”

Yangchen Lhamo, Regional Coordinator for Students for a Free Tibet added: “This incident just shows that as long as Tibet remains occupied by China, Tibetans in Tibet will always be persecuted. We will continue our protests until Tibet is free and our people can enjoy the dignity they deserve.”

This atrocity will be marked by outraged Tibetans and their supporters the world over, this Thursday November 30th 2006. For more information and cities that are participating in the global Day of Action please check out the following websites:

www.ChinaWouldYouShootMeToo.org

www.studentsforafreetibet.org

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. We are a chapter-based network of young people and activists around the world. Through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, we campaign for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom. Our role is to empower and train youth as leaders in the worldwide movement for social justice.